200 YEARS AGO: LEARNING TO SERVE GOD IN OTHERS

The events of the previous few years have led him to understand that living “all for God” pushes him not into a monastic contemplative lifestyle, but into serving God in others:

let me devote myself anew and forever to my neighbour’s service, but with less neglect of myself, let me be more watchful over my inner self, and not let myself get entirely absorbed by works of exterior zeal, i.e., in a word, let me work at one and the same time both for the salvation of others and for my own sanctification.

God’s grace has been transforming him and so he prays that this grace of God may not be in vain:

My God, the fault is mine alone, for your grace never ceases to go before me, to stimulate me, and is ever my companion.
Lord, make me more docile to following its promptings,
more attentive to hearing its inspirations,
more faithful in putting into practice the resolutions it dictates.

Day’s Retreat, during th community retreat, 30 October 1818,
EO XV n. 148

This entry was posted in WRITINGS. Bookmark the permalink.

1 Response to 200 YEARS AGO: LEARNING TO SERVE GOD IN OTHERS

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:

    “…let me work at one and the same time both for the salvation of others and for my sanctification”. There it is – in a nutshell – the answer that I have been searching for.

    Recently I was seriously struggling and wondering why life had to be so difficult. Asking myself what more I could do in order to be okay. What more I could “do” in order to “be” okay. I had it wrong -as if to take on another task and serve was what God wanted of me. And in an unguarded moment realizing a grace from God, experiencing pure consoling love. To “be” in order to “do”.

    “O my Beloved, You have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my innermost thoughts. You find me on the journey and guide my steps; You know my strengths and my weaknesses.” (Ps 139).

    I am drawn to Eugene’s little prayer: My God, the fault is mine alone, for your grace never ceases to go before me, to stimulate me, and is ever my companion. Lord, make me more docile to following its promptings, more attentive to hearing its inspirations, and more faithful in putting into practice the resolutions it dictates.

    I will borrow Eugene’s prayer, have it before me each morning as I begin my days and
    go out to serve God in others.

Leave a Reply to Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *